Democrats and Texas labor leaders also took a shot at what they described as the governor’s “lavish lifestyle.”

“When the Legislature convenes in 2011, Texans face what may be the most austere budget picture ever, with a shortfall estimated as high as $18 billion,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Becky Moeller. “Meanwhile, taxpayers have spent $600,000 to date to house Gov. Perry in a $10,000-a-month mansion in a gated community 14 miles from the Capitol. In the midst of leadership calls for cuts in public schools, universities, hospitals and infrastructure agencies, we think our leaders should set an example.”